First published 2019
The morning of June 6, 1944 brings thunderous explosions and chaos to the beaches of Normandy. A young protagonist finds himself caught in the largest seaborne invasion in military history as Allied forces storm the French coastline. Thousands of ships crowd the horizon while planes fill the skies overhead. The boy must navigate the terror and confusion of D-Day, dodging bullets and bombs as soldiers fight to establish their foothold in Nazi-occupied Europe. Around him, the fate of World War II hangs in the balance. This operation will determine whether the Allies can begin their push toward victory or face devastating defeat. Through smoke, gunfire, and the cries of wounded men, the boy discovers courage he never knew he possessed. Lauren Tarshis brings readers into the heart of this pivotal moment when ordinary people performed extraordinary acts of bravery that changed the course of history.
Genres: historical-fiction, 20th-century, military-fiction, adventure
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: coming-of-age, fish-out-of-water
Setting: Normandy, Europe
Period: 1944
138 pages · Paperback · Scholastic Paperbacks
Content warnings: graphic-violence, war